Exploring Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County

A collage of four images from Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, featuring scenic views of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, the Warrior’s Trail sign along a wooded path, a rocky riverbank with forested hills in the background, and the park entrance sign along the main road.

Set amid the rolling hills of Bedford County, Warriors Path State Park is a place where history and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.

A view of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River framed by overhanging branches at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, with green and gold autumn foliage covering the surrounding hills beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

The 349-acre park takes its name from the ancient route once used by the Iroquois during their raids and trade journeys through southern Pennsylvania.

A wooden sign marked “Warrior’s Trail” stands at the entrance to a leaf-covered forest path surrounded by colorful autumn foliage at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

Today, the same landscape that once echoed with the footsteps of warriors provides a peaceful retreat for hikers, paddlers, and anyone seeking a scenic escape along the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.

A rustic wooden picnic pavilion sits among tall trees with golden autumn leaves at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, on a sunny fall afternoon.

Directions & Hours

Warriors Path State Park is located at 1152 Warriors Path Road, Saxton, PA 16678.


The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset, with day use areas closing at dusk.

A red pickup truck is parked in a lot near an American flag and a small picnic pavilion at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by trees with early fall foliage under a bright blue sky.

What You’ll See at Warriors Path State Park

The park’s unique geography is one of its most striking features, with the river wrapping around three sides of the land to form a narrow, finger-shaped peninsula.

A map of Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, PA.
Image Credit: PA DCNR.

This winding section of the Juniata showcases some of the best examples of natural stream meandering in the state, and its calm waters reflect the surrounding forested hillsides with mirror-like clarity.

A tranquil view of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River flowing through Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, framed by trees with early fall foliage and wooded hills under a bright blue sky.

Visitors can follow six miles of trails through the woods, including the aptly named Warrior’s Trail, which meanders through a canopy of oak and maple trees that blaze with color each autumn.

A leaf-covered hiking trail winds through a sunlit forest at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by trees showing early signs of autumn color.

Several picnic pavilions and riverside tables provide scenic spots to relax, many complete with grills and sweeping views of the water.

A picnic table and charcoal grill sit beneath tall trees overlooking the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.

For those seeking recreation, the park also features volleyball courts and open grassy areas ideal for family gatherings or a quiet afternoon in the sun.

A sand volleyball court and wooden picnic pavilion sit on a grassy field surrounded by wooded hills with early autumn foliage at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

The tranquil riverbanks, lined with sycamores and rocky shallows, offer excellent vantage points for photography and wildlife watching.

A rocky shoreline along the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, with tree-covered hills rising in the distance under a bright blue sky.

Along the way, you’ll find traces of the area’s past preserved in the landscape – a subtle reminder of the region’s deep Native American heritage.

Steep rocky cliffs rise above the calm, reflective waters of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by early autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.

Established through land donations beginning in 1959 and officially dedicated in 1965, the park has remained a beloved seasonal destination ever since.

A bronze dedication plaque mounted on a large stone monument at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, commemorating the 17-acre land donation by Samuel E. and Mary M. Bussard that helped establish the park.

It also serves as the northern terminus of the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail, connecting visitors to a broader network of outdoor adventures.

A bright yellow bicycle is parked near the entrance sign for Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, marking the northern terminus of the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail on a sunny autumn day.

Whether exploring on foot, by bike, or by kayak, every turn at Warriors Path State Park offers a blend of history, tranquility, and timeless Pennsylvania scenery.

The Raystown Branch of the Juniata River winds through Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, flanked by trees with early autumn foliage beneath a bright blue sky.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Warriors Path State Park is like stepping into a living postcard of central Pennsylvania’s natural charm.

A gravel park road winds through early autumn foliage at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, with forested hills rising in the distance under a bright blue sky.

With its peaceful trails, reflective river views, and echoes of the past, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and simply enjoy the beauty of the Juniata River Valley.

Cliffs and early autumn trees reflect in the calm, clear waters of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River at Warriors Path State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, beneath a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

Nearby Attractions

Stretching 13.1 miles, the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail trail follows the path of the now-abandoned Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad, linking the small communities of Tatesville in the south and Warriors Path State Park in the north.

A collage of four photos showcasing scenic highlights along the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The top-left image features a bright orange bicycle parked on a bridge with vibrant fall foliage and a clear blue sky. The top-right photo shows the bicycle resting along the rocky bank of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, surrounded by colorful autumn trees. The bottom-left picture captures the bike parked beside the gravel trail, with the river on one side and a hillside blanketed in golden foliage on the other. The bottom-right image focuses on the H&BT Rail Trail logo sign, marking the historic rail trail's location. Each image highlights the beauty of the trail during autumn.

29 Must-See Attractions in Bedford County is your guide to even more fantastic things to see and do near Warriors Path State Park.

A collage of four photographs showcasing attractions in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A woman stands on a wooden dock, gazing out over a calm lake reflecting autumnal trees and a bridge in the distance. Top right: The iconic Coffee Pot-shaped building with its gray walls, red accents, and a sign reading "THE COFFEE POT" against a backdrop of yellow fall foliage. Bottom left: A couple takes a selfie at a scenic overlook, with lush green hills stretching to the horizon under a blue sky with fluffy clouds. Bottom right: A historic red covered bridge over a serene creek, surrounded by verdant greenery and under a partly cloudy sky.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.